Immigration Courts See More Missing Faces: What's Going On?

In immigration courts across the U.S., a concerning trend is emerging: more people are not showing up for their hearings.

The Consequences of Absence

When someone doesn't appear in court, the judge can order their deportation immediately. This is known as an "in absentia" removal.

Why Are People Skipping Court?

Fear of Arrest

• Many immigrants worry about being arrested by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) if they attend their hearings.
• This fear has intensified after ICE increased arrests in and around courthouses.

Missed Notices

• Sometimes, court notices get lost in the mail or sent to the wrong address.
• As a result, people might not even know about their court date.

The Numbers Don't Lie

• In 2025, the number of "in absentia" removal orders nearly tripled compared to the previous year.
• Over 50,000 people were ordered deported because they didn't show up to court.
• This trend is happening in cities all over the country.

Other Reasons for Absence

• Some immigrants might choose not to go to court because they think they won't win their case.
• Others might be dealing with trauma, language barriers, or the complexity of the immigration system.

The Importance of Attendance

• It's important to note that most immigrants do show up for their court dates.
• However, for those who don't, the consequences can be severe.
• Once a removal order is issued, ICE can target that person for deportation.
• Without a lawyer, it's even harder to fight these orders.